ejection period the second phase of ventricular systole (0.21 to 0.30 sec), between the opening and closing of the semilunar valves, while the blood is discharged into the aorta and pulmonary artery. Called also sphygmic period.

latent period a seemingly inactive period, as that between exposure to an infection and the onset of illness (incubation period) or that between the instant of stimulation and the beginning of response (latency, def. 2).

relative refractory period the part of the refractory period from approximately −60 mV during phase 3 to the end of phase 3; during this time a depressed response to a strong stimulus is possible.

safe period the period during the menstrual cycle when conception is considered least likely to occur; it comprises approximately the ten days after menstruation begins and the ten days preceding menstruation. See the section on fertility awareness methods, under contraception.

supernormal period in electrocardiography, a period at the end of phase 3 of the action potential during which activation can be initiated with a milder stimulus than is required at maximal repolarization, because at this time the cell is excitable and closer to threshold than at maximal diastolic potential.

vulnerable period that time at the peak of the T wave during which serious arrhythmias are likely to result if a stimulus occurs.

per·i·od

2. One of the stages of a disease, for example, period of incubation, period of convalescence. See also: stage, phase.

3. Colloquialism for menses.

4. Any of the horizontal rows of chemical elements in the periodic table.

[G. periodos, a way round, a cycle, fr. peri, around, + hodos, way]

period

/pe·ri·od/ (pēr´e-od) an interval or division of time.

ejection period the second phase of ventricular systole, being the interval between the opening and closing of the semilunar valves, during which the blood is discharged into the aortic and pulmonary arteries; it is divided into a p. of rapid ejection followed by a p. of reduced ejection.

gestation period the duration of pregnancy, in humans being about 266 days (38 weeks) from the time of fertilization until birth. In obstetrics, it is instead considered to begin on the first day of the woman's last normal menstrual period prior to fertilization, thus being about 280 days (40 weeks).

incubation period

1. the interval of time required for development.

2. the interval between the receipt of infection and the onset of the consequent illness or the first symptoms of the illness.

3. the interval between the entrance into a vector of an infectious agent and the time at which the vector is capable of transmitting the infection.

latent period a seemingly inactive period, as that between exposure to an infection and subsequent illness, or that between the instant of stimulation and the beginning of response.

menstrual period , monthly period the time of menstruation.

pacemaker refractory period the period immediately following either pacemaker sensing or pacing, during which improper inhibition of the pacemaker by inappropriate signals is prevented by inactivation of pacemaker sensing.

refractory period the period of depolarization and repolarization of the cell membrane after excitation; during the first portion (absolute refractory p.), the nerve or muscle fiber cannot respond to a second stimulus, whereas during the relative refractory period, it can respond only to a strong stimulus.

safe period the period during the menstrual cycle when conception is considered least likely to occur; it is approximately the ten days after menstruation begins and the ten days preceding menstruation.

period

per·i·od

Patient discussion about period

Q. i just have my period last november 25 and ended on 28.when is my possible fertile and ovulation period please help me identify my fertile and ovulation period

A. If someone knew it, it'd solve the human race many problems with fertility. The problem is that ovulation (and thus, the period of possible fertility) happens 14 days BEFORE the onset of menses, so you know about it only retrospectively.

However there ways such as serial body temperature measuring, along with kits that measures the level of hormones in the urine in order to estimate the time of the coming ovulation, and help in timing intercourse.

You may read more about it here (www.mayoclinic.com/health/ovulation-signs/AN01521 ) but anyway, consulting a doctor (e.g. gynecologist) may be wise.

Q. can you get pregnant on your period? i know that you get pregnant when you ovulate and you ovulate in the middle of your menstration cycle, but people have told me that you can get pregnant on your period. can somebody help me out???

A. It's possible, if your menses are long enough and your period is short enough, since semen can survive (and fertilize the ova) up to 3 days after intercourse. It's not common, but also not impossible. That's why the safe-days method isn't very effective in preventing pregnancy.

Q. how should i support my wife during this tough period?

A. first of all don't call it a tough period. a happy period might work better. although the wife can get annoyed by it. but she'll get annoyed from anything... just try to make her comfortable. foot massage , bubble baths, movies and popcorn. it really depends on what kind of person is she and what she likes or not.

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